Hikers of all ages are able to enjoy the White Tank Mountain Range.

Several West Valley cities joined to proclaim April 22 “White Tank Wild Day” in an effort for all to enjoy and to conserve the natural and cultural resources of range, a rare pristine landscape in the Valley that many residents and visitors enjoy each year.

The proclamation outlines the mountain range as “The Crown Jewel of the West Valley” and explains its importance to the area: “The White Tank Mountains are a regional destination that provides recreation, health, wellness, respite, and breath-taking beauty for nearly 700,000 visitors annually to two regional parks offering 38,000 acres and 46 miles of recreational trails.”

April 22 was chosen for “White Tank Wild Day” to coincide with Earth Day. Surprise mayor Skip Hall, Buckeye mayor Eric Orsborn, Peoria mayor Cathy Carlat and Goodyear mayor Georgia Lord all adopted this proclamation for their respective cities. “White Tank Wild Day” honors the White Tank Mountains Conservancy’s Regional Mountains Connectivity Initiative – with a vision to conserve the natural heritage of the White Tanks and surrounding region’s mountain ranges while supporting a 21st century economy and quality of life for all.

"Now therefore, be it resolved that, I, Eric W. Orsborn, Mayor of the City of Buckeye do proclaim April 22, 2021, as WHITE TANKS WILD DAY and encourage my fellow mayors and leaders across the great state of Arizona, as well as all current and future stakeholders, to visit the White Tank Mountains, to learn more about our local history, to educate themselves regarding the imperative for protecting place and passage for wildlife and people, and to support the White Tank Mountains Conservancy in its mission to conserve, connect and collaborate, so all future generations may enjoy the natural and cultural resources of the White Tank Mountains. The success of these efforts depends on our collective support,” the mayor included in the proclamation.

In attendance to represent the west valley regional government support were Mayor Hall, Councilmember Chris Judd (Surprise); Councilmember Wally Campbell (Goodyear); and Councilmember Bill Patena (Peoria). Mayor Michael LeVault (Youngtown), a municipal charter member WTMC, also attended the ceremony in support of the proclamation.

Litchfield Elementary School District students led the Pledge of Allegiance for the small crowd gathered at the base of the iconic park bridge. The students ranging from preschool to middle school represented the current and future generations who will recreate within these mountains.

Later that morning, Mayor Carlat posted a commemorative on her official Facebook page with an image of the signed proclamation and caption, “Protecting our cherished Sonoran Desert has long been one of my top priorities. I am proud to work alongside the White Tanks Mountain Conservancy to inspire all to conserve and enjoy the natural and cultural resources of the White Tank Mountains. Learn more about this important conservation area.”